Borden Flats Light is one of the earliest and best maintained caisson-type light stations in the state, preserving many of its original features and design elements. Built at the mouth of the Taunton River in 1881, the light station consists of a 50-foot tall, cylindrical, cast-iron tower resting on a concrete-filled, cylindrical caisson. Following the Hurricane of 1938, the present, larger caisson was constructed around the original one to provide more protection during severe weather. The name "Borden Flats" was derived from the Borden Family, who owned extensive textile mills along the edge of the Taunton River and were one of Fall River's wealthiest families.

Historic postcard of Borden Flats Light StationPhoto courtesy of Division of Industry, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

A basement occupies the upper portion of the caisson and originally contained a cistern for collecting water. Above the basement, the tower is divided into four levels. Surrounded by an exterior gallery deck, the first level served as a sitting room, kitchen and storage area for the lighthouse keepers who worked and lived in the light station prior to automation in 1963. The second and third levels were sleeping quarters, and the forth level was used as a watch room. A fourth-order Fresnel lens originally surmounted the tower, which was replaced with a modern optic in 1977. Borden Flats Light Station is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and remains an active aid to navigation, alerting navigators to avoid the reef on their approach to Fall River.

Borden Flats Light Station is located on a reef at the mouth of the Taunton River in Fall River. Owned by the U.S. Coast Guard, it is as an active aid to navigation and is closed to the public. Borden Flats Light is best seen by boat. It is also visible from points onshore and while crossing the Braga Bridge (I-195), which stretches across the Taunton River.